Prime Minister Sherif Ismail said the position of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) towards the Egyptian economic reform program is positive.

In statements following the Cabinet meeting, Ismail said that his meeting with Egypt’s representatives in the IMF Hazem el-Beblawi was meant to discuss economic measures taken by the state in the last period.

The amendments to the executive regulations of the investment law have been completed, he said, noting that the regulations would be referred to the Council of State.

The prime minister said that an effective strategy was drawn up by the Health Ministry to face the overpopulation and its grave impact.

The overpopulation, mainly in the Delta region, constitutes a major challenge to the country, adding that available agricultural land is used up and there is also a reduction in the food production capacity.

There are encroachments on state-owned lands because of the growing population in the country, the premier stressed.

He further underlined that the government finalized preparations for Eid al Adha, adding that there were contracts to secure a large quantity of meat and subsidized food items in markets ahead of the Greater Bairam.